Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Springfield, OH: $159,129 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Springfield, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $159,129 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 90.79% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $175,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($244,673) within a few years of clinical practice.

$159,129
Starting Salary
$76.50/hr
Starting Hourly
$159,129
Entry Level
$244,673
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Entry Level Salary in Springfield, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Springfield, OH nurse anesthetist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those considering a career as a nurse anesthetist in Springfield, Ohio, it is essential to have realistic expectations around the starting pay. Entry-level nurse anesthetists can anticipate a starting salary of about $159,129 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the overall city median of $244,673. This gap indicates a progression potential as new graduates build their skills and experience; over the first three to five years, salaries can rise from the 10th percentile figure up to approximately $210,892. With an annual growth trajectory of 5.20%, Springfield's job market offers ample opportunities for new graduates to advance, while operating within a cost of living index of 90.7, which is below the national average.

About the Springfield Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$159,129/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$210,892/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$244,673/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$305,687/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Springfield. The median salary is $244,673, compared to the national median of $248,893.$143.2K$199.7K$256.1K$312.6K$369.0K$159.1K10th Pctl$210.9K25th Pctl$244.7KMedian$305.7K75th Pctl$351.4K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Springfield, OH typically start between $159,129 and $210,892 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $192,303 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $244,6731.7% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nurse anesthetist pay in the Springfield metro area.

Return on Investment

$100,000
Avg OH Program Cost
$159,129
Starting Salary
62.84%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $100,000 represents just 62.84% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($159,129/year) in Springfield. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on COA-accredited (Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs) DNP/DNAP program data and AANA member tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public vs. private university) and residency status. Most programs require 1+ years ICU RN experience before admission.

CRNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Springfield

  • 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $159,129 to $210,892, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Springfield, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Springfield's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Nurse Anesthetist Compensation Range

The nurse anesthetist wage spread in Springfield is $192,303 ( 120.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $159,129, experienced hygienists can earn up to $351,432.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$124,206

2025 BLS Actual

$151,263

2026 Current Est.

$159,129

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Springfield (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Springfield. Baseline $124,206 in 2025, projected to $167,403 by 2027.$110.3K$126.9K$143.6K$160.3K$176.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$124.2K$130.5K$128.5K$140.2K$136.4K$119.8K$151.3K$159.1K$167.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$124,206Actual
2020$130,529Actual
2021$128,454Actual
2022$140,175Actual
2023$136,385Actual
2024$119,809Actual
2025$151,263Actual
2026(current)$159,129Estimated
2027$167,403Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, OH grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $124,206 in 2019 to $151,263 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $167,403. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your nursing Career in Springfield

In Springfield, multiple healthcare institutions hire recently graduated nurse anesthetists. Academic medical centers provide a variety of cases that can enhance clinical skills, while larger hospital systems often have structured transition-to-practice programs designed for newcomers. Outpatient surgery centers may attract those prioritizing a balanced lifestyle, as these settings typically do not require on-call duties. As a new graduate in this field, obtaining the necessary credentials, such as the CRNA license and NBCRNA certification, is critical to boost initial salaries. Ohio nurse anesthetists are also encouraged to pursue advanced education like a DNP to elevate their career prospects. However, it’s crucial to understand the differing practice environments; CRNAs in opt-out states typically work independently, while those in others may find themselves within the Anesthesia Care Team model. Realistically, with dedication and strategic career planning, new CRNAs can expect their earning potential to grow significantly during their first few years in this rewarding profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Springfield in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Springfield start at approximately $159,129/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $76.50/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Springfield?

Most nurse anesthetists in Springfield progress from the entry-level salary of $159,129 to the area median of $244,673 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $351,432 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Springfield?

With a starting salary of $159,129/year in Springfield and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nurse anesthetists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Springfield?

New nursing graduates in Springfield typically start near the 10th percentile at $159,129/year, or approximately $76.50/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Ohio?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Ohio, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Ohio, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nurse anesthetists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Ohio

AJ

Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA

Career Analyst

Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Springfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).

Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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